Los Angeles, California

Liberal and performing arts majors will probably enjoy the dramatic hustle and bustle in the city of Los Angeles. A locus of the profitable and glamorous film and entertainment industry, LA is the stomping ground for gorgeous women and A-list celebrities. The wealth created in the city’s creative economy, however, is nicely balanced by its scientific, industrial, commercial, and manufacturing concerns.

Universal Studios maintains its corporate headquarters in the city, as does the defense and technical contractor Northrop Grumman. Designers and graphic artists working in Los Angeles make around $41,000 a year, and software developers and programmers can collect up to $95,000.

Housing in the Los Angeles area is undeniably expensive, but the unemployment rate is holding steady at 4.2%, not to mention growth in the number of jobs available in the information, professional and business sectors. Whatever you do, shed your shyness; extroverted, talented and creative professionals are welcome to make their marks in the City of Angels.

Seattle, Washington

The City of Goodwill is perhaps best-known for two things: roasted coffee beans and silicon computer chips. Seattle is home to the sprawling Starbucks corporation and the lucrative e-commerce business Amazon.com. James L. Donald, the Starbucks CEO, earned a refreshing $2.7 million in 2006. The median yearly salaries by occupation speak volumes about the city’s growing technology industries: software engineers and programmers ($75,000), computer software program managers ($90,250), IT project managers ($75,000), and mechanical engineers ($60,000).

These figures are certainly nothing to sneeze at. And Seattle is also doubly blessed with a strong housing market and a projected 2.7% increase in employment growth. Take full advantage of the metropolis’ trendy, consumer-friendly atmosphere. With an economy dominated primarily by the high-technology biz, Seattle beckons for the young, computer-savvy professional.

cities you can count on

Urban America has much to offer. A dense population doesn’t just mean overcrowding, noise and parking tickets. U.S. cities are dripping with social and financial opportunities for the eager, young professional. Put that degree to good use. Evaluate your options, assess your skills, print that resume and find a city that fits your niche. It beats the hell out of living in your parents’ basement, guaranteed.